Dose-Response (Apr 2017)

Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions Induce Fibrosis Mediated by TGF-β1 Cytokine

  • Cherley Borba Vieira de Andrade,
  • Isalira Peroba Rezende Ramos,
  • Alan César Nunes de Moraes,
  • Ana Lúcia Rosa do Nascimento,
  • Camila Salata,
  • Regina Coeli dos Santos Goldenberg,
  • Jorge José de Carvalho,
  • Carlos Eduardo Veloso de Almeida

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1559325817705019
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

Read online

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate radiation-induced lesions on the skin in an experimental animal model. Methods and Materials: Cutaneous wounds were induced in Wistar rats by 4 MeV energy electron beam irradiation, using a dose rate of 240 cGy/min, for 3 different doses (10 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy). The skin was observed 5, 10, and 25 days (D) after ionizing radiation exposition. Results: Infiltrate inflammatory process was observed in D5 and D10, for the 40 Gy and 60 Gy groups, and a progressive increase of transforming growth factor β1 is associated with this process. It could also be noted a mischaracterization of collagen fibers at the high-dose groups. Conclusion: It was observed that the lesions caused by ionizing radiation in rats were very similar to radiodermatitis in patients under radiotherapy treatment. Advances in Knowledge: This study is important to develop strategies to prevent radiation-induced skin reactions.